eucalyptus
( yoo - kuh - LIP - tuss )
At-A-Glance Information
Eucalyptus is a genus of evergreen shrubs and trees that need full sun and little to no water. Their fragrant foliage is commonly used in cut flower arrangements as filler greenery, and the plants themselves range from sprawling shrubs to giant trees. They are the most commonly planted non-native tree in California and Arizona, where they are used for windbreaks, shade, firewood and timber. They have attractive bark, inconspicuous flowers, and woody seed capsules.
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eucalyptus Species and Varietals
The best growing zones for Eucalyptus are 6, 6, 8-24 H1 and H2. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map
Eucalyptus citriodora (Corymbia citriodora) (Lemon-Scented Gum) This species is hardy down to around 26 degrees Fahrenheit, and reaches 45-90 feet tall and 15-45 feet wide. Mature leaves are gold-green lemon-scented and bark is smooth and powdery white. This tree is narrow, and can be grown against walls and fences. Stake young trees; their trunks are weak. Cut back and thin often to strengthen the trunk. |
Eucalyptus cladocalyx (Sugar Gum) Hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, this species reaches 45-90 feet tall and 45-75 feet wide, It has a stout trunk and clusters of puffy foliage separated by open spaces. Leaves are shiny red and bark is pale grey, peeling, and reveals white patches. Flowers are creamy yellow and bloom profusely in summertime. Variety 'Nana' is a dwarf variety reaching 20-25 feet tall and serves as a great windbreak. |
Eucalyptus conferruminata (Bushy Yate) Hardy down to around 26 degrees Fahreheit, this species of Eucalyptus is usually sold as Eucalyptus lehmannii. It reaches 12-27 feet tall and 15-30 feet wide, with ovular light green leaves that sporadically turn red in fall. Flowers are green and are followed by brown capsules that remain on the branches for a while before dropping. Good for windbreaks or seaside areas. Left unpruned, the lower branches will graze the ground. |
Eucalyptus dalrympleana (Mountain Gum) This species of Eucalyptus is hardy down to about 10 degrees Fahrenheit, and quickly reaches between 70-120 feet tall and 25-50 feet wide. Leaves are bright green, and bark is smooth and white. This is a great large Eucalyptus species for cooler climates, and can tolerate alkaline soils. |
Eucalyptus erythrocorys (Red-Cap Gum) This species of Eucalyptus reaches 12-30 feet tall and 9-25 feet wide. Leaves are thick, shiny, and deep green, and bark is white. Flowers are yellow and appear in pom-pom clusters, emerging from underneath red 'caps'. The heaviest bloom occurs in early springtime, but can pop at any time of the year. Naturally and best grown as a multi-trunked tree, it is a sprawling plant but attractive both in and out of bloom. Can be used as a lawn tree, and can take regular garden water. Also a good choice for desert gardens. Hardy to about 24 degrees Fahrenheit. |
Eucalyptus ficifolia (Corymbia ficifolia) (Red-Flowering Gum) This species is hardy down to about 28 degrees Fahrenheit, and reaches 18-45 feet tall and 15-60 feet wide. It usually takes the form of a single-trunked round-headed tree, with deep green leaves and foot-long clusters of red (sometimes pink, white, cream, or orange) flowers that peak in summertime. Seed capsules are heavy; prune from younger trees to avoid the weight bringing down the branches. |
Eucalyptus gunnii (Cider Gum) This species is hardy down to about 8 degrees Fahrenheit, and reaches 30-75 feet tall and 18-45 feeet wide. Foliage is silvery blue-green when young, and matures to dark green. Bark is green and tan. This is one of the quickest growing Eucalyptus species, and is hardy to boot! It has a dense habit, making it a great choice for windbreaks, screens, or as a shade tree. The foliage from this tree is commonly used in cut flower arrangements as filler greenery. |
Eucalyptus leucoxylon (White Iron-Bark) This species is hardy to 16 degrees Fahrenheit, and reaches 30-90 feet tall and 18-60 feet wide. It is a slender upright and open tree with pendulous branches. Leaves are grey-green, and the trunk is brown to blue-grey, shedding to reveal new white bark. Flower color can be cream, pink, or reddish, and blooms are followed by goblet-shaped capsules. This species can tolerate many harsh conditions, including heat, aridity, wind, heavy soils, and rocky soils. |
Eucalyptus microtheca (Coolibah) This species forms a bushy, round-headed single or multi-trunked tree that reaches 30-60 feet tall and 24-54 feet wide. Leaves are blue-green and ribbon-like. This is one of the best Eucalyptus species for Arizona's climate, and can tolerate wind. Overall, a neat tree. |
Eucalyptus 'Moon Lagoon' This species is hardy to around 23 degrees Fahrenheit, and is a hybrid of unconfirmed parentage. It reaches 4-10 feet tall and about as wide, with delicate branches and blue-grey foliage. Flowers are white and open from red buds in spring to summertime. Hard prune each year in early springtime to ensure a fresh batch of new foliage, which is wonderful for arrangements. |
Eucalyptus neglecta (Omeo Gum) This species is hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, and is one of the hardiest Eucalypts. It reaches 40-60 feet tall and as wide, with round juvenile leaves and foliage that takes on pinkish hues in cooler weather. This is a fast-growing specimen tree and tolerates wet soil conditions relatively well. |
Eucalyptus nicholii (Nichol's Willow-Leafed Peppermint) This species reaches 36-48 feet tall and 15-36 feet wide, with light green leaves and reddish-brown bark. It is hardy down to about 13 degrees Fahrenheit, and has a graceful, weeping habit. Leaves smell of peppermint when crushed. Can't take a lot of water. |
Eucalyptus papuana (Blakella papuana) (Ghost Gum) This upright, picturesque tree reaches 30-50 feet tall and 20-35 feet wide. Leaves are light green, tinted purple in frost conditions, and bark is smooth and white. A pretty clean tree, it produces very little litter in comparison to its genus-mates, and is also tough and wind-tolerant. Hardy down to about 21 degrees Fahrenheit. |
Eucalyptus parvula (Eucalyptus parvifolia) (Small-Leaved Gum) This species is hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, and reaches 25-40 feet tall and 15-30 feet wide, with semi-sweeping branches and light to dark blue-green foliage. Leaves are highly fragrant and bark is tan to grey. Can tolerate poorly draining soil and shade better than other species. Habit is upright and spreading. |
Eucalyptus pulverulenta (Silver Mountain Gum) Reaches 18-30 feet tall and 6-15 feet wide, with silver-grey juvenile foliage. Bark peels off in ribbons. Flowers are small, fuzzy and creamy white and bloom from fall through springtime. The branches are used commonly in cut flower arrangements. Cut back often to encourage more foliage production. Variety 'Baby Blue' is a wonderful selection of this species. Hardy to 17 degrees Fahrenheit. |
Eucalyptus salmonophloia (Salmon Gum) This species is hardy to 23 degrees Fahrenheit, and slowly grows to reach 40 feet tall and just as wide. Leaves are narrow and bright green, catching sun well and creating a shimmering effect. Bark is salmon-colored. Can tolerate drought and some salt in the soil. Great for desert landscapes. |
Eucalyptus salubris (Gimlet) These trees are hardy down to a temperature of 23 degrees Fahrenheit, and reach 20-25 feet tall and just as wide. Foliage is glossy and deep green, and bark is smooth, shiny, and red-brown. Flowers are showy for the genus and creamy white. Can be grown as a single- or multi-trunked tree, and can withstand heavy soils. Good for desert landscapes. |
Eucalyptus sargentii (Salt River Mallet) This species of Eucalyptus can be grown as either a single- or multi-trunked tree with dark gray, peeling bark. Flowers are cream-colored, opening from slender buds. This is a tough, stout tree that can tolerate a lot of salt. Leaves are narrow and green, and this species is hardy to 22 degrees Fahrenheit. |
Eucalyptus sideroxylon (Red Iron-Bark) Hardy to 23 degrees Fahrenheit, reaching 30-90 feet tall and 30-60 feet wide. Foliage is blue-green, turning bronze in cooler wintertime temperatures. Trunk is furrowed and nearly black, and flowers are a light pink to crimson, blooming mainly from fall through late spring. Can be either open or dense, slender or squat, or weeping or upright, depending on growing conditions and pruning. Great as a specimen, screen or street tree, and does not do well in wet or heavy soils. |
Eucalyptus torquata (Coral Gum) Hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, this species reaches 18-36 feet tall and 15-30 feet wide. Foliage is light-green to yellow-green and flowers are coral red to yellow, emerging from lantern-like buds. Blooms sporadically throughout the year. This tree makes great cut flowers and foliage. Great accent tree. |
Caring for and pruning eucalyptus Trees
Something to consider before you plant Eucalyptus trees on your property is that they contain a highly combustible oil, and are therefore very flammable, as is their litter. Do not plant these trees near homes or other structures.
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 311 - 313, Eucalyptus
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